Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Daughter Anita Bose Appeals For Return Of His Ashes From Japan

New Delhi: On the 129th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, his daughter Anita Bose Pfaff has appealed to bring her father’s mortal remains back from Japan. 

Anita repeated her plea that the ashes kept in Tokyo’s Renkoji Temple are those of her father, and India should recognise and honour them at home. 

What did she say?

According to her statement, Bose’s final journey ended after a plane crash outside Taipeion 18 August 1945, soon after which he died from injuries. He was cremated locally, and the ashes were later carried to Japan. They have remained under the care of the Renkoji temple ever since, she said.

"As Netaji’s daughter I invite the Indians of today who still revere him to support his posthumous return from exile; to support the transfer of his mortal remains to India for a final and fitting disposal," Pffaf said in a statement.

Anita Bose Pfaff, along with other relatives, has repeatedly called for DNA testing of the ashes in Tokyo. They hope a scientific test can finally confirm whether they truly belong to Netaji. The family says this step would help settle decades of speculation about his death. 

Netaji’s grand-niece and grand daughter of his brother Sarat Bose, Madhuri Bose said, “We, family members of Netaji, have been seeking an honourable return of the mortal remains of the great leader and I hope and pray it happens soon,"

Why is this still controversial?

The exact circumstances of Netaji’s death have long been disputed in India. While many historical accounts rest on the plane crash explanation, alternative theories have suggested he might have survived beyond 1945 and lived incognito, or even died under different circumstances. Some family members have questioned past official inquiries and commission findings.

Has the government responded?

So far, there has been no public confirmation from the government on DNA testing or plans to repatriate the remains.